Sadiq Khan elected as Labour’s mayoral candidate

Popular Tooting MP Sadiq Khan has been chosen as Labour’s candidate for the 2016 London mayoral contest.

The son of a bus driver said he was “overwhelmed” and “deeply honoured” after the results were announced.

Khan won 48,152 votes, which is a 58.9 per cent share in the fifth round of voting after four other candidates had been eliminated.

Former minister Tessa Jowell who was thought to have been the frontrunner, came second with 41.1 per cent of the vote, and a total of 87,954 votes were cast.

“Our burning ambition must be that all Londoners have the same opportunity. it’s this that will underpin our campaign. Together we can make this a reality, Together we can change London,” he said.

Khan said his priorities included provided equal education opportunities and getting a grip on London’s housing crisis.

He added: “I’m overwhelmed and deeply humbled that so many Londoners have put their faith in me.I’m determined to repay your faith by winning the mayoral election next may. It will be an honour and a privilege.”

The result was announced at an event at the Royal Festival Hall in south-east London.